All Blacks: Justin Marshall makes blunt claim about how Scott Robertson was axed on ‘really bizarre day’
Legendary New Zealand scrum-half Justin Marshall (inset) and ex-All Blacks coach Scott Robertson.
Justin Marshall has revealed that New Zealand Rugby (NZR) gave Scott Robertson no forewarning before news broke of his axing as the All Blacks’ head coach.
Robertson was dismissed from his position last month just two years into a four-year contract. This followed a review by the governing body into the 2025 Test season, headed by NZR chairman David Kirk.
It was eventually decided it was best to part ways with Robertson, who took over the reins as All Blacks boss from Ian Foster after the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France.
At the time of his axing, Robertson released a statement in which he said it was an honour to coach the All Blacks but he has not given interviews yet since then.
Robertson and Marshall are close friends who spent the bulk of their playing careers together as team-mates with Canterbury, the Crusaders and the All Blacks.
And now the latter has revealed how Robertson was caught off guard by news of his axing.
‘Caught up with Razor’
“I’ve caught up with Razor, since what happened, all on that really bizarre day,” Marshall told The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast. “Seeing him, probably about 10 days after that, was difficult.
“As we know, he wears his heart on his sleeve, Razor, and he cares about every team he coaches.
“And in particular, his biggest passion was to coach the All Blacks. So, to have to be told on that day, like everybody else, you know.
“He got told at the same time as the story was unfolding – that he would no longer be the All Blacks coach – was something that took him massively by surprise. Because, obviously, he was getting told when the rest of the world was being told.
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“He had no heads up and then there was no ability to, have any more conversations. The decision was made and taken out of his control.”
It was announced on Tuesday that Robertson would return to coaching in June to lead the Barbarians in matches against the Springboks and Wales at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha and at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.
Marshall revealed that due to the high profile nature of the All Blacks head coaching position, it is a difficult process for Robertson to deal with his dismissal.
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‘It’s massive news’
“That’s never going to be easy. You’re All Blacks coach, it doesn’t only play out in the media, it plays out in the public, and it plays out all over the world because it’s massive news,” said the legendary scrum-half.
“So that’s never easy. He’s got a family, his wife and kids… you’d be lying if it didn’t affect any person, you know, if you get news like that.
“And I know he had huge aspirations and ambition to take this team to deliver a Rugby World Cup to this country.
“And when you’re then told you can’t do that, imagine how that feels.”
Jamie Joseph and Dave Rennie are viewed as the favourites to succeed Robertson as All Blacks head coach although NZR are yet to announce who will take charge of the three-time world champions.
The All Blacks are scheduled to play next in three Nations Championship matches in New Zealand against France, Italy and Ireland in July.
